When I was a kid in the mid-70s I remember the trail to the Clingman's Dome tower was surrounded by a thick forest of balsam firs. Now the trail is pretty much like walking through an open meadow. You can see here the trees are making a come back. I don't know if these trees are balsam firs or not. I hate to be a downer but the loss of the hemlocks has been so disheartening and sickening I don't really care what they are anymore.